A mum and her three tiny puppies have been found dumped in an alleyway.

RSPCA officers found the first skinny pup with a nasty infection on his ear after a member of the public alerted them to him.

Just two days later his mum and two more puppies were found nearby.

The family of four are now in the care of the charity's Coventry and Nuneaton District branch.

Officers believe the puppies were just eight-weeks-old when they were discovered earlier this month.

Investigation launched

The first puppy, who has been nicknamed Penfold was rushed to a local vet when the dog warden first found him in Rugby .

When two more identical pups and a shar pei breed bitch were found nearby, the dog warden and rescue charity Pawprints became concerned and the RSPCA launched an investigation.

The puppies were skinny and weak when they were found (Image: RSPCA)

The mum, now called Clara, was found with pressure sores down her legs.

She is now being cared for, along with the three pups Penfold, Ellie and Leeka, by RSPCA staff and volunteers, who say they are doing well.

The dogs are not yet available for rehoming.

'Dumped like discarded rubbish'

RSPCA Inspector Herchy Boal, who is now investigating, said: “Penfold was in a real state when he was found earlier this week.

"He was in a very bad condition, was extremely skinny and had some nasty bite marks on his ears which were infected.

Penfold had a nasty infection on his ear (Image: RSPCA)

“There was a lot of publicity online and on social media following Penfold’s discovery and I think this may have lead to his - and his mum and sibling’s - owner to panic and abandon the others.

“Unfortunately the RSPCA is called to thousands of abandoned animals every year but, even though this is a daily occurrence for us, it never ceases to sadden me how someone could so cruelly dump their pet in the street like a piece of discarded rubbish.

“It’s really upsetting when the animal - like this weak mum and her young pups - is so vulnerable. It’s disgusting and there’s absolutely no excuse to treat any animal with such disregard.

“Thankfully these beautiful dogs are now safe and will receive all the TLC they need.

“The dog warden had given Penfold a big, fluffy teddy to snuggle up with. When he was set up in his kennel he went straight to his new favourite toy, cuddled up next to it and went straight to sleep.

“It was adorable and it’s so lovely to see him relaxed and content.”

Penfold found comfort in a giant teddy (Image: RSPCA)

Appeal

“The circumstances that these dogs were found in are extremely suspicious and they obviously weren’t receiving the appropriate care in their previous home.

“I’m keen to find out where these dogs came from and who’s responsible for letting them get into such poor condition and then abandoning them. Anyone with information should call our appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave me a message.